Football

Where would Leeds star Raphinha fit in at Man Utd?

February 21, 2022 10:22 am

Raphinha continued his fine form this season with yet another league goal. The Leeds United winger scored in the 4-2 loss to Manchester United on Sunday.

The forward now has nine league goals to his name this season. Only Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Raheem Sterling have more. Raphinha also has two assists to go with his goals.

It’s a hugely impressive turnover in what has been an ultimately disappointing campaign for Leeds. Raphinha has already overtaken his goals tally from last season. He hit six goals last time out.

As for Leeds, they sit 15th in the Premier League table. They’ve won just five of their 24 games this season. Such form has resulted in many fans talking of a potential exit for their star players.

And Raphinha is most certainly the standout. His latest display caught the attention of many Man Utd supporters. They believe he is the player they need to help unlock their attacking potential.

Where would Raphinha fit in at Man Utd?

Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and West Ham have all found the net more often than Man Utd this season. Importantly, this isn’t due to a lack of trying. Ralf Rangnick’s men are third this season for shots attempted. They are also third for big chances missed. 

It’s clear then that the Red Devils should definitely be scoring more goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to divide opinion, but he is the club’s top scorer this season. He has 15 in all competitions. It’s well ahead of Bruno Fernandes, who is second with nine.

Ronaldo has yet to decide his plans for next season. Fortunately for Man Utd, however, Jadon Sancho is starting to hit form. He has one goal and two assists from his last three league games.

All of these contributions have come on the left-wing. It is a position he has made his own in recent weeks.

Raphinha, meanwhile, has occupied a spot on the opposite wing for Leeds. Interestingly, the Brazilian did play in a centre-forward role earlier this season. He even scored – albeit from the penalty spot – in the meeting with Chelsea.

But it’s fair to say that right-wing is his desired position. United fans are already licking their lips at the prospect of Sancho on the left-wing, and Raphinha on the right.

Liverpool also chasing Leeds winger

Multiple reports claim that Liverpool are also after the Brazilian. The Reds recently strengthened their front line with the signing of Luis Diaz.

The former Porto man has immediately hit the ground running at Anfield. He netted his first Liverpool goal in Saturday’s victory over Norwich. It’s yet another fantastic option going forward for Jurgen Klopp.

He now has Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Dias to choose from. The likes of Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino meanwhile can provide a spark from the bench.

But other reports see Liverpool linked with West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen. According to the Liverpool Echo, both Bowen and Raphinha are attracting interest from Klopp.

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